grammar - Why is there an indefinite article before "London"?




Two years after his reported Reichenbach Fall demise, Sherlock, who has been cleared of all fraud charges against him, returns with Mycroft's help to a London under threat of terrorist attack.



I know, there are city names with articles (like The Hague), but I've never heard someone say a London till now.


Is a London under threat of terrorist attack used here as a description of some indefinite place in London?



Answer



This construction gives a sense of renewal of acquaintance or a rediscovery. Note that you can also employ the definite article.


Example


*I returned to Anthea's house after many years to find an Anthea who no longer laughed and sang. She was now a sad reflection of the Anthea I used to know.*


You can think of it as meaning "a version of".


*I returned to Anthea's house after many years to find a version of Anthea who no longer laughed and sang. She was now a sad reflection of the version of Anthea I used to know.*


There is a sense that Anthea, or London, could be in many different states. You have returned to discover which state exists in real life.


I hope that helps.


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